Plant-based Manufacturing Excellence Manager

About the Role This role leads and manages Plant-based Manufacturing Excellence Managers across the EMEA region to deploy and sustain a lean-based Manufacturing Excellence model. It focuses on standardization, operational excellence, and measurable value creation across manufacturing sites, while partnering with regional and site leadership to achieve cost, quality, and service objectives. What You'll Do

• Lead and support Manufacturing Excellence Managers in deploying a standardized Lean-Based Management System across EMEA plants.
• Define and execute deployment strategies, planning, training, coaching, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate change management and ensure effective adoption and long-term sustainment of Lean thinking.
• Identify, clarify, and remove barriers to operational excellence within manufacturing plants and regional production groups.
• Lead multiple strategic and operational improvement projects from identification and analysis through implementation and sustainable execution.
• Deliver measurable manufacturing cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Drive the continuous evolution of the Manufacturing Excellence Model to improve competitiveness in cost, quality, and service.
• Partner with leadership to define, scope, launch, and deliver initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Make complex decisions and recommendations with limited direction, using sound judgment and initiative.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the regional manufacturing organization.
• Proactively manage risk and communicate project progress, results, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and benchmarking within the region and across Continuous Improvement networks. What We're Looking For
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience deploying Lean methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing and leading others, ideally in a matrix organization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives end to end.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results through influence rather than direct authority.
• Solid working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Understanding of financial statements and manufacturing cost drivers.
• Experience with coaching, training, and capability development.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging from shop floor to senior leadership.
• High level of computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in English.